12 Magical Places to Visit in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia: My Favorite Spots in Atlantic Canada

Have you ever dreamed of visiting Eastern Canada? I recently traveled through Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable trips I’ve had in Canada. Although we packed too much into a short trip (and I wouldn’t recommend our exact schedule!), I want to share some of the most beautiful and unique places I visited. These are perfect for anyone looking to explore stunning nature, charming towns, and a bit of literary magic.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or planning a return trip, here are the highlights I recommend from my Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island(PEI) adventure.

Where Are Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia?

Both Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are located on the east coast of Canada and are part of a region called the Maritimes. This area is known for its beautiful coastline, friendly people, and slower pace of life.

• Nova Scotia is a large peninsula bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, famous for its colorful fishing villages, lighthouses, and historic sites.
• Prince Edward Island (PEI) is Canada’s smallest province, located just north of Nova Scotia. It’s best known for its red-sand beaches, peaceful countryside, and the world-famous story Anne of Green Gables.

How to Get There

We flew into Halifax Stanfield International Airport in Nova Scotia. From Halifax, it’s easy to rent a car and drive around the province or continue on to PEI. Driving is the best way to explore this region, especially if you want to visit small towns and scenic spots.

To reach Prince Edward Island, you have two main options:

• Drive across the Confederation Bridge (about 13 km long). We used this option—it costs around $50 round trip, and the views are amazing!
• Take the ferry from Nova Scotia. The ferry is slower but can be a fun and scenic way to get to the island.

Once you arrive, you’ll quickly notice how peaceful and beautiful everything feels—it’s like stepping into a storybook.

Nova Scotia

Lunenburg: A Picture-Perfect Coastal Town

This colorful waterfront town stole my heart the moment I arrived. The vibrant houses, peaceful harbor, and early-morning joggers gave the town a relaxing charm. Even though we only stayed a short time, the locals were incredibly friendly—especially the kind cashier at the supermarket who welcomed us warmly.

Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why. If you love photography or coastal charm, don’t miss it.

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Perched on a hill overlooking the city, the Halifax Citadel offers stunning views and a glimpse into Canadian military history. We didn’t have time to go inside, but we watched the changing of the guard ceremony—which reminded me so much of our life in the UK, especially the guard’s Scottish-style uniform!

It’s a great stop for history lovers and anyone who enjoys a short uphill walk for a great view.

Joggins Fossil Cliffs

If you’re into science or just enjoy a fun adventure, the Joggins Fossil Cliffs are a must-visit. You can choose a self-guided or guided tour. We picked the self-guided version (only $7 CAD) and went straight to the beach to look for fossils.

It was so exciting to hunt for ancient stones—even though we couldn’t take them home (it’s illegal!). The rocks are slippery, so wear sturdy shoes like hiking boots.

Magnetic Hill

Magnetic Hill was a fun and strange stop! When we shifted our car into neutral, it started rolling uphill—or at least, it looked that way. It’s a quirky optical illusion, but it’s fun to experience in real life.

Prince Edward Island: More Than Just Anne of Green Gables

To reach PEI, we crossed the Confederation Bridge, which cost about $50 round trip. It felt expensive, but the experience was worth it. PEI is peaceful, scenic, and so much more than the famous novel.

Here are a few places I loved on the island:

Kensington Rail Yard

This was such a charming stop! The Kensington Railway Station is a small but beautifully preserved historic site that used to serve the island’s old railway system. Even though trains no longer run, the building is full of character and surrounded by cute little shops and walking paths.

It felt like stepping back in time. We really enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere here, and it’s a great place to take photos or relax for a bit.

Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace

Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace is a small, charming house where the author of Anne of Green Gables was born. We stopped briefly to take some photos.

Prince Edward Island National Park

We visited the Prince Edward Island National Park to see the sea—and wow, it was so windy! Despite the wind, the ocean was stunning, and we even saw a man playing the bagpipes for a tour group. Again, I started missing the UK!

Green Gables Post Office

This cute post office also functions as a mini museum. The best part? They had a video with Japanese subtitles, and the staff gave us a stamped souvenir paper. It made my day!

Montgomery Park

Just a short walk from the post office is Montgomery Park, a peaceful garden area with flowers, benches, and even a little playground where kids can play. We wandered through the park and unexpectedly found the entrance to the Haunted Wood Trail, which appears in the Anne of Green Gables story.

We started walking the trail, but after a few minutes, we realized it actually connects directly to Green Gables, which was our next stop. Since we had left our car behind, we decided to go back and drive instead. Still, it was a fun discovery and such a lovely, quiet place to enjoy nature.

Cavendish Community Cemetery

This peaceful cemetery is where Lucy Maud Montgomery is buried. It was a meaningful stop for me, especially because I grew up reading her books. Located in front of the Montgomery Park.

Green Gables Heritage Place

Green Gables Heritage Place was the place I had been dreaming of visiting! I expected a simple historic house, but it was actually a modern museum with beautiful gardens—and it was free to enter. Although it was crowded, walking through the famous Green Gables house felt like stepping into the story itself.

Port Borden (Gateway Village)

Before leaving Prince Edward Island, we made one last stop at Port Borden, near the base of the Confederation Bridge. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the island’s views one last time. We saw a beautiful lighthouse, and from this area, the long bridge stretching across the water looked absolutely stunning.

There’s also a small shopping area here called Gateway Village, with cute souvenir shops and restaurants. I couldn’t resist trying COWS ice cream, which is a famous PEI brand. The shop staff recommended the flavor “Gooey Mooey”—and it was fantastic! Sweet, creamy, and full of fun texture. If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing place to end your trip, I highly recommend stopping here before crossing the bridge back to the mainland.

Conclusion

My trip to Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia was a bit rushed, but I’m so glad I went. From fossil beaches to charming towns, and from literary landmarks to natural wonders, this region is full of hidden gems that many travelers overlook.

If you plan to visit, I recommend picking a few places from this list and taking your time to enjoy them. Let the beauty, history, and peace of Atlantic Canada take your breath away—just like it did for me.